Extended range elliptical machine

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a novel elliptical machine designed on orthopedic standards of body kinetics wherein the handles rotate 360 degrees and the foot pedals slide fore and aft and roll forwards and backwards as the user is exercising on the machine. This novel machine provides maximum efficacy and safety while a user is exercising, and does not limit the range of motion to the standard fixed elliptical motion of merely forward and backwards.

FIELD

The invention relates to a novel elliptical exercise device wherein the range of arm motion is expanded to a 360 degree motion and the foot pedals are adjustable with additional range of motion than that in the present art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention most closely corresponds with USPTO Class 482/52 wherein significance is attributed to conditioning or developing a muscle employed as the user ascends or descends a set of steps or operates apparatus which imitates ascending or descending a set of steps.

In its simplest form, the invention comprises a novel elliptical machine wherein the arm movement is not fixed in a linear or forward and reverse motion, but allows the user to rotate the handles in a 360 degree range for maximum muscular and cardiovascular benefit. The foot pedals are novel in design and utility in that they are set in a grooved notch and may slide and roll forward and backwards providing a more natural gait and work in cooperation with the arm movements.

There are obviously many elliptical devices on the market and in the art. This invention is novel over all that exist in the art due to the 360 degree arm movement and foot pedal design and operation. The operability of the invention was based upon research from an orthopedic body mobility standpoint to maximize efficacy as well as align with ergonomic body movements so as to avoid over stressing the user's body.

SUMMARY, OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The human body can only function as regards mobility in certain fashions. Kinetic angles are important as one exercises using an apparatus of any kind. Unnatural body movements can cause stress on joints and muscles and lead to physical problems down the road. The inventive machine avoids the unnatural body movements while providing effective muscle and cardiovascular exercise.

The arm handles are mounted on plates which are attached to a shaft connected to the foot mechanism of the elliptical machine. The handles are bicycle handle-like and have padded grips. When a user grasps the handles, they can turn them 360 degrees, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

While the user is turning the handles, the foot mechanism works in tandem on a separate notched track base. The hand grips are telescopic so they may be adjusted to the user's arm length for maximum efficacy and safety.

The foot mechanism is connect via a base shaft to the vertical handle rail mechanism. The foot pedals themselves are essentially half circles with a rounded, notched bottom that rests and slides in a receiving notched shaft. The foot pedals can slide fore and aft within the notched base, and roll forward and backwards within the notched track. This motion allows a less fixed foot placement and maximizes efficacy and safety.

The hand mechanism support shaft is hinged and thus may be folded for ease of movement and storage.

In summary, the inventive elliptical machine is novel in the art and designed based upon orthopedic principles to maximize efficacy and safety beyond the elliptical machines in the present art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in further detail by reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1; is a close-up view of the elliptical 360 degree rotating handle section;

FIG. 2; is a view of the entire elliptical with handle shaft connected to the foot pedal apparatus; and

FIG. 3; is a top angle view of the elliptical sans the support shaft; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the foot pedal and notched shaft base section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION, INCLUDING BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes various embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention. The description includes what are presently believed to be the best modes of carrying out the invention.

In this regard, the invention is illustrated in 4 relatively simple figures; although sufficiently complex as to illuminate to one skilled in the art of such software architecture, programming, and computer operations a viable method for making or using said invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates how the 360 degree rotating handles 10 connect to the support plates 20 using a swivel bearing mechanism 40. The support plates are then connected to a shaft 30 which proceeds to the foot assembly shown in FIG. 2. As the user is operating the apparatus, they grasp the handles 10 and can freely turn them in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion for full range of motion and more defined workout of the arm muscles. Said arm handles are telescopic 50 to adjust to the user's arm length.

FIG. 2 indicates the handle and plate assembly 60 as connects to a support shaft 70, and then to the foot pedal assembly 80. The shaft is ideally made of a lightweight metal. The entire shaft portion 70 can be folded at the hinged location 90 for ease of storage and movement of the elliptical. The entire top portion of the elliptical folds towards the rear and can lay upon the foot assembly 80 when in the compact position.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the entire assembly as would be a general view of the user in position to utilize the elliptical. The handle and plate section 100 is located near the user's arm and shoulder area. The connecting shaft is not visible in this view; however it connects the handle portion to the foot assembly 110. Illustrated also in this Figure is the foot base shaft 120 wherein the notched grooved pedal runners 130 allow for free foreword and aft movement of the foot pedals within the notched groove therein. The foot pedals themselves rock forward and backward allowing freedom of foot movement to comport to the user's natural stride pattern.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the foot pedal assembly illustrating the base shaft 140 and pedals 150 as they rest in the notched groove in the pedal runners 160. As the user moves up and down pursuant to the pedal runner's connection to an elevation push rod assembly 170 to the foot pedal base, the pedals will move in the notched grooves fore and aft as well as being able to slide forward and backwards within the grooves. 

1. An elliptical machine providing extended range of motion comprising: a) 360 degree arm movement handles b) a notched track foot pedal mechanism c) telescopic arm handles d) hinged folding arm handle shaft
 2. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein the arm handles are padded and graspable and rotate on a base 360 degrees either clockwise or counterclockwise when a user spins said handles.
 3. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein said foot pedals are half-circular in shape and have a protruding notch on the lower portion of the pedal which fits into a receiving slot on the track.
 4. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein said foot track pedal mechanism comprises a track which receives the notched foot pedal and allows for movement fore and aft in the track and a forward and backward roll of the pedal within the track.
 5. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein the arm handles are telescopic so as to be adjustable to user's arm length.
 6. The elliptical of claim 1 wherein the arm handle shaft is hinged and foldable for movement and storage. 